Characterizing HIV medication adherence for virologic success among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: Experience with the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) cohort.

TitleCharacterizing HIV medication adherence for virologic success among individuals living with HIV/AIDS: Experience with the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) cohort.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsBiswas, B, Spitznagel, E, Collier, AC, Gelman, BB, McArthur, JC, Morgello, S, McCutchan, JA, Clifford, DB
Corporate Authorsthe CHARTER Group
JournalJ HIV AIDS Soc Serv
Volume13
Issue1
Pagination8-25
Date Published2014 Jan 01
ISSN1538-1501
KeywordsCHARTER, Internal
Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has changed HIV related illness from terminal to chronic by suppressing viral load which results in immunologic and clinical improvement. Success with ART is dependent on optimal adherence, commonly categorized as >95%. As medication type, class and frequency of use continue to evolve, we assessed adherence levels related to viral suppression. Using a cross-sectional analysis with secondary data (n = 381) from an ongoing multi-site study on impact of ART on the Central Nervous System (CNS), we compared self-reported adherence rates with biological outcomes of HIV-RNA copies/ml, and CD4 cell/mm3. Adherence to ART measures included taking all prescribed medication as directed on schedule and following dietary restrictions. While depression was a barrier to adherence, undetectable viral suppression was achieved at pill adherence percentages lower than 95%. Practice, research and policy implications are discussed in the context of patient-, provider-, and system-level factors influencing adherence to ART.

DOI10.1080/15381501.2013.859111
Alternate JournalJ HIV AIDS Soc Serv
PubMed ID24678283
PubMed Central IDPMC3963153
Grant ListHHSN271201000027C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
HHSN271201000030C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
N01 MH022005 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P30 MH075673 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States